Ramblings

On memory loss:
I just saw Ghajini yesterday, and while its nowhere up there in the category, I must say that the topic of memory loss has spun out some of the best I have seen or read.
Take the Bourne Identity (the Ludlum book, not the film). It was one hell of a spy-cum-psyche thriller. Ludlum’s best without doubt, and definitely my favourite in the spy thriller books genre. Than there’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, amongst my all time favourites. A fantastic film; must watch for each and every movie buff. And then of course Memento. Fabulous concept, and a faaaabulous end.

On Sea of Poppies:
Finished Sea of Poppies last week. Highly recommended reading. Its after a long time that I have read a simple storyline so engrossingly told. No flowery language ala Rushdie, no magical or mythical tale, no ‘modern day English of the youth’. A simple good old story told in the simple good old way (apart from Serang Ali’s English, which is exasperating). Eagerly awaiting the next in the trilogy. As also Amitav Ghosh’s other books.

On Dasvidaniya:
I loved it. Again, a simple story told in a simple way. No rona dhona, no overdramatisation; a really nice film. Not to be missed.

On Gillete Mach 3:
I had a theory…that there are about a 100 Gillete Mach 3 razors floating around this entire city. Everyone gets gifted one by his friend or relative (or a medical rep in doctors cases), checks the gift, repacks it, and then gifts it back to some other friend or relative. Its been happening with us for the last God knows how many years. But when a medical rep gave my father what turned out to be the third Gillette Mach 3 in our overflowing shelf in the almirah of ‘to gift others’ items, I decided to open up and use one and see how gift worthy it really is.
I must confess its simply mind blowing. It has a triple blade system which is sort of auto adjustable and glides ultra smoothly as you shave, making it the most smooth and effortless shaving experience ever. Absolutely fida over it. It seems the Gillette people spent 750 million$ researching over it! Money very well spent, I’ll say.
Only one slight problem. The blades finally got blunted after about 2 months of use, and the refill costs 180 bucks!!! High time some people start gifting the refills too. Because the Marwari in me refuses to allow me to buy a Gillette refill. Till then, shaving will never be the same for me (sigh).
PS: It seems an even more advanced Mach5(!!) razor is also out in the market. Hear that, ye medical reps?!

On ‘Goodnight Saigaon’:
Billy Joel has some amazing songs to his credit, including The Pianoman, Vienna and She’s always a woman. But for all his fans and not yet fans, do hear ‘Goodnight Saigaon.’ Its based on the Vietnam war, and it really touches the soul. Especially the chorus ‘We shall all go down together’ lingers on in your mind for a very very long time. Heart rending song, with amazing lyrics.

Marriage - Khalil Gibran

On Marriage - Khalil Gibran


Then Almitra spoke again and said...
"And what of Marriage, master?"
And he answered saying:

You were born together,
and together you shall be forevermore.

You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.

Aye, you shall be together even in the
silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the
heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love.
Let it rather be a moving sea between
the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous,
but let each of you be alone,

Even as the strings of a lute are alone
though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together, yet not too near together.
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,

And the oak tree and the cypress
grow not in each other's shadow.